Which lux levels are recommended for my property?

Lux levels are the amount of light per m2 and can be measured by a lux meter. There are general guidelines depending on the use of the premises.

To put lux levels in perspective we will start by comparing the levels to sunlight:

Full Daylight = 10,000

Overcast Day = 1,075

Very Dark Day = 107

Below are the recommended lux levels for most the most popular areas (more detailed list at the bottom of this post):

Parking lots = 50 lux

Warehouse = 150 lux

General areas = 200 lux

Small item stores = 200 lux

Packing & dispatch = 300 lux

Industrial work shop = 300-500 lux

Computer work stations = 300-500 lux

Supermarkets = 750

Detailed Mechanical Workshops = 1000

To measure the lux levels you will need a lux meter. These can be bought in most electronics stores and the standard versions are accurate enough to be used for general guidelines on lux levels for your premises.

The lux meter is used by holding it 1 meter over the ground and keeping clear of any obstacles. To get the most accurate readings you should avoid being right under a light fitting, but place yourself between the lights.

Before undertaking any project we offer to make a Dialux 3-D simulation to calculate which lux levels our light fittings will provide in any environment. Based on this calculation we can make changes to the beam angle or power of the led fitting to reach the required levels. Below is an example from a recent warehouse project reaching 200-300 lux across the space.

This project was done with our brand new PS-UFO-MAX high bays featuring 140 lm/watt and 5 year warranty. The results were fantastic and we reached 550 on floor level, which is double of the recommended light levels. However when the racks and products are installed, then there will be more shadow effects and less light reflecting from the white walls and the lux levels be lowered to around 300 lux as per our Dialux simulation.

Let us provide you with a free analysis of what savings led lights can bring your company. Get it here